2019 Academic Symposium Program

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Academic Symposium

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April 12, 2019

About the QU Academic Symposium

The Quincy University Academic Symposium is a showcase for student achievement across our liberal arts curriculum.

On this day, student presenters will engage in professional performance and discourse with experts in their field of study, as well as the greater community, to disseminate their work. The symposium also provides a public forum for academic competition with prizes awarded to a student and their faculty mentors from each division/ school, including graduate studies programs.

Alignment with QU Mission

Participation in the QU Academic Symposium honors the pursuit of wisdom through education and rewards scholarly leadership.

Schedule 1:00-1:14 Opening remarks • Student Government Association - President Mary Argana • Title III & NSF S-Stem Grants Drs. Barbara Schleppenbach & Joe Coelho • QU Media- Raven Ash 1:15-2:55 Platform presentations • 1:15 Slavery and its Connection to Quincy - Remi Ferguson,

Jacob Flynn, Allyson Gordon, Madeline Finney • 1:45 All Play & No Work - David Czechut • 2:00 Examining the Antimicrobial Properties of Aplysia californica Ink - Caleb Lay, Rachel Henrichs, Lauren Nadler • 2:30 A Gleam of Light in Asia - Jared Holman 3:00-3:55 Poster Session and QUTV Live Broadcast 4:00-4:04 QUEST Center Directors Megan Boccardi & Kristen Liesen 4:05 - 5:19 Platform presentations • 4:05 My Lie - Tyler Buckwalter • 4:20 Sonic Hedgehog for Science and Education - Bridget Hunkins • 4:50 Mormons in the Midwest - Noah James, Madison Donahue,

Veronica Holtschlag, Adam Rogan 5:20-5:30 Winner selection & closing remarks VP of Academic Affairs Dr. Teresa Reed QU Faculty Selects Student Art Exhibition - 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 • Groups meet in the east corner of the Connie Niemann lobby to go to the Gray Gallery at Brenner Library QUTV Live Broadcast - 3:00, 3:20, 3:40, 4:00 • Groups meet in the west corner of the Connie Niemann lobby to go to the QUTV Studio Poster Session • 3:00-3:55 in Connie Niemann South Auditorium • Food and drinks served

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Abstracts Platforms Presentations

Title: Slavery and its Connection to Quincy Students: Remi Ferguson, Jacob Flynn, Allyson Gordon,

Madeline Finney Project mentor: Megan Boccardi, Ph.D.- Assoc. Prof. of History The city of Quincy, located on the banks of the Mississippi, was in an interesting location in the years before the Civil War. With slavery just across the river in Missouri, Quincyans found themselves embroiled in many of the same issues that on a larger scale would impact the nation. How should non-slave holders respond to the issue of slavery? Was Quincy supportive of abolition? Did the economic relationship between Illinois and Missouri influence Quincyans perspective on slavery? And did being against slavery mean that Quincyans were also abolitionist and not racist? This semester, we have researched the city of Quincy and its relationship with abolition and slavery. This presentation will explore slavery in Missouri, what life was like in Quincy during the antebellum period, the famous underground railroad cases involving Dr. Richard Nelson and Dr. Richard Eels, and pro-slavery and abolitionist factions in the town.

Title: All Play & No Work Students: David Czechut Project mentor: Bill Machold, M.M.- Asst. Prof. of Music An original musical piece composed by David Czechut, featuring multiple percussion instruments

Title: Examining the Antimicrobial Properties of

Aplysia californica Ink Student: Caleb Lay, Rachel Henrichs, Lauren Nadler Project mentor: Kimberly Hale, Ph.D.- Professor of Biological Sciences Aplysia californica, commonly known as sea hares, secrete a dark purple ink when threatened or injured as a defense mechanism.

This highly pigmented ink has been shown to be distasteful and acts as a defense mechanism to keep predators at bay. In addition to protecting the Aplysia californica from predators, there has been interest in the possible environmental role the ink may play in regulating the microorganisms in its ecosystem. More recently, scientists have begun to explore the potential use for this ink in biomedical applications. This is where the interests of our research group lie. Specifically, we are interested in the antibacterial properties of this ink and the potential use as cleaner and/or medicine.

Preliminary data from Kirby-Bauer Tests (zone of inhibition method) reveal that the ink inhibited a substantial amount of bacterial growth and was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus than Eshrichia coli. Currently, testing is underway to observe the effects the ink has against various strains of bacteria, its comparative efficacy against typical household cleaners, anti-bacterial agents, and antibiotics. If our results continue to indicate that Aplysia californica ink significantly inhibits the growth of human pathogens, then we plan to isolate the active compound, escapin, and compare its antimicrobial activities to that of the ink.

Title: A Gleam of Light in Asia Student: Jared Holman Project mentor: Robert Manning, Ph.D.- Professor of Philosophy The failed coup of Indonesian president Sukarno allowed the United States an opportunity to facilitate General Suharto in an anti-communist campaign which resulted in one of the most violent genocides of the 20th century in which an entire political party was systematically tortured, captured, and/or killed. The United States’ heavy-handed involvement in the manipulation of variables that led to the coup and the mass killings exemplify its orientalist, imperialistic attitude toward Asian (especially communist) countries during the Cold War. The paradigm in Indonesia that emerged from the genocide was a panoptic society structured by ideological screening, mass surveillance, and systemic propaganda. The tools for a panoptic society were supplied by the United States in order to ensure that Indonesia did not fall to communism. The case of the US’ involvement in the events of 1965-1966 exemplify the notion that the US viewed Asian (especially Muslim majority countries) countries with a “plantation mentality”; in which Indonesia needed to be saved from itself by implementing a panopticon in Indonesian society so that communism (the threat) could be eradicated. The orientalist view of the US government precipitated a panoptic society, which is in itself an example of orientalism. The New Order (Suharto’s regime) would not have had the resources to install a panoptic society without foreign aid. The US government is at fault for facilitating the genocide and panoptic society that followed the coup of 1965; the reason the US became involved is because of the orientalist policy that it governed with at the time (and even still today). Indonesia is only one example of European or North American governments bolstering genocides, dictators, and propaganda to “Westernize” Asian countries catalyzed by an orientalist policy. As a result of the United States’ orientalist policy, the panopticon was introduced to Indonesia.

Title: My Lie Students: Tyler Buckwalter Project mentor: Laura Kammerer- Instructor of Music Performance of piano piece “My Lie,� which is composed by Masaru Yokoyama and arranged by Torby Brand. I taught and memorized the piece myself and was assisted in refining the tune to sound better by Laura Kammerer.

Title: Sonic Hedgehog for Science and Education Students: Bridget Hunkins Project mentor: Michelle Combs, Ph.D.- Assoc. Prof. of Biology Two important components in a comprehensive undergraduate biological education are an understanding of evolution, and basic laboratory skills. Often students do not have the opportunity to combine the theories and practices of evolution, developmental biology, and molecular biology. A simple course-based research experience (CURE) allows students to actively think about evolution, while engaging laboratory activities that are fundamental to lab sciences.

Here, we designed an educational module that gives students a chance to exercise independence in the lab while learning crucial methodologies, basic protocols, and critical problem-solving skills.

The Sonic Hedgehog gene (SHH) is highly conserved and important for critical developmental processes. These characteristics make SHH ideal for exploring evolutionary connections among species using molecular biology. Genomic DNA was isolated from several organisms with fundamental laboratory techniques. The DNA products were used for polymerase chain reactions (PCR) employing a single set of SHH primers. Successful amplifications point to SHH as a common link among the genomes of diverse organisms. Immunohistochemical labeling of SHH protein in distinct species, using a single antibody, further demonstrates evolutionary ties among these animals. Properly designed and implemented CUREs enrich student learning and engagement, while allowing undergraduate researchers to make meaningful contributions to science.

Title: Mormons in the Midwest Students: Noah James, Madison Donahue, Veronica Holtschlag,

Adam Rogan Project mentor: Megan Boccardi, Ph.D.- Assoc. Prof. of History Quincy, Illinois played an important role in the history of the Mormon faith and its people. Although originating in New York, the Mormons traveled west like other migrants looking for new opportunity and a place to create their community.

Under the leadership of John Smith, the Mormons would search for their home in both Missouri and Illinois, but in both locations ultimately experience intolerance and persecution leading them to migrate to Utah. This presentation explores the experiences of Mormons in Illinois, in the town of Nauvoo. The Nauvoo settlement continues to hold importance to the Mormon faith as even today it is the location of a significant Mormon temple. But the history of Nauvoo is complicated. Mormons moved to the area after being persecuted in Missouri and would again find intolerance in Illinois that would lead to the death of their leader, John Smith. It was during their move from Missouri to Nauvoo that Quincyans welcomed the Mormons and offer them a safe place to stay until they settled Nauvoo. And even today Quincy is remembered as a haven for the Mormons. This presentation will explore the Mormon history, the city of Nauvoo, the economics of Nauvoo and ultimately its relationship to Quincy.

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Abstracts Poster & Special Media Presentations

Graduate Studies Title: Psychological Distress and Extensive Social Media Use in Stay at Home Mothers Students: Laura Koch Project mentor: Asabi Dean, Ph.D.- Asst. Prof. of

Counselor Education Over the course of the last few decades, internet use has increased exponentially across the globe. Specifically, social networking sites (SNSs) have gained tremendous popularity among all age groups, genders, and ethnicities. SNSs boast the ability to unite and connect people through virtually any avenue imaginable, in addition to providing support, information, and education. However, recent research has shown that extensive social media use can have deleterious effects resulting in psychological distress.

Depression, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem are among the potential consequences of SNS overuse.

While generalized research has been conducted regarding the relationship between extensive social media use and psychological distress, no specialized studies have been done regarding the deleterious effects of social media on stay-at-home-mothers (SAHMs). Due to the isolating nature of their jobs, this population may be at particular risk for SNS overuse and its resulting consequences. Therefore, this study proposal is an introductory attempt to examine the impact of extensive social media use on American SAHMs, ages 25-40. The study would consist of 30 participants, and be conducted over a 3-month period in which social media use was increased. Baseline scores for depression, anxiety, and self-esteem would be obtained via the Beck Depression InventoryII (BDI-II), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the SelfConcept Questionnaire (SCQ) prior to the increase in social media use. Results are to be determined according to post scores on the identical assessments. A strong correlation between psychological distress and extensive social media use in SAHMs is predicted.

Undergraduate Studies Title: QU Media Students: Raven Ash, Emma Hoyt, Shane Hulsey, Casey Pigg, Adam Meyer, Shane McAdams, Alexa Low, Taylor King, Reggie Austin, Abby Moore, Quincy Fuehne Project mentor: Nora Baldner, M.A.- Asst. Prof. of

Communication QU Media is the umbrella platform for The Falcon, QUTV, QUMedia.net and student news social media accounts. QUMedia is conducting an awareness campaign centered on mental health issues on college campuses by reporting on personal experiences, advice from professionals and encouraging QU students to #BeAFriendQU. The campaign ran during the month of March.

Students are reporting for all of the media platforms. The symposium presentation consists of a special issue of The Falcon, a front page takeover of QUMedia.net, a 30-minute QUTV special report and a month of social media posts with the curated hashtag #BeAFriendQU.

Title: An Analysis of Local Ecosystems and the Decline of Insect Biodiversity Student: Kevin Turnbow, QU Ecology students Project mentor: Joe Coelho, Ph.D.- Professor of Biology The research conducted analyzed data collected on a local insect population. Specifically, the number of grasshopper species each year collected by students over a period of at least ten years was examined. Students collected specimens with butterfly nets and documented the number of grasshoppers while using field guides for identification. The data were determined as valid due to consistent collecting procedures. The data were shown to indicate a decline in insect diversity, by using calculated ecological values for species evenness and species richness. The implications of the data elucidated that habitat loss, increased competition for resources due to invasive exotic species and insecticide pollution may have influenced the decline of insect diversity and how it effects the ecology of the ecosystem. Finally, the data was compared to larger scale studies that show declining trends in insect biomass in larger regions, and over longer periods of time. One was a 27-year study on flying insect biomass which showed a 76% seasonal decline and an 82% mid-summer decline. A metaanalysis of 40 studies that examined entomofauna and the ecological changes caused by the decline of insects concluded that over 40% of insect species could go extinct in the next 20 years.

Insect biomass has declined in recent decades, in turn leading to less diverse ecosystems. The decline indicates that human activity contributes to the decrease in ecosystem diversity and the hindrance on the services that said ecosystems provide us.

Title: Linking Sonic Hedgehog Genotype to Phenotype Student: Julissa Quiùónez Project mentor: Michelle Combs, Ph.D.- Assoc. Professor

of Biology As a research team, our goal is to amplify a section of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene from several organisms. Further, it is imperative to amplify genomic DNA (gDNA) only and demonstrate species specificity. In order to achieve this goal, the research group isolated DNA from an animal, designed specific primers, ran a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and digested the PCR product using a restriction enzyme. Due to careful design of the primers, the PCR reaction amplified gDNA and produced a product of 863 base pairs. The success in this aim led the group to perform a restriction digest of the PCR product. If the PCR product is specific to our species of interest, then the product will be cut by the BamHI restriction enzyme, but not cut by EcoRI. Results show the predicted fragments, demonstrating species specific PCR amplification. Taken together, the results show that gDNA can be isolated and the SHH gene can be amplified from Sus scrofa (pig).

Our overall goal as a research group is to demonstrate the importance of the SHH gene in development. We aim to understand the function of SHH by studying species-specific differences in SHH sequence and the phenotypes of organisms, such as pig.

As a future direction, the group will include other species, such as Xenopus laevis (frog) and map the pattern of SHH gene expression. Comparing the patterns of SHH expression during embryonic development in multiple species will enable us to link differences in the SHH gene sequence to differences in phenotype.

Title: Is Your Morning Coffee Killing the Beneficial Bacteria of Your Gut? Student: Caleb Lay, Kelli Roskamp Project mentor: Caitlin Deskins, Ph.D.- Assoc. Professor of

Chemistry Within the last few years, research has alluded to the impactful role the gut microbiome plays in our health. As a result, some may feel the need to be more mindful of these beneficial bacteria residing in our gastrointestinal tracts by taking probiotics or ingesting foods containing live cultures. This may be in vain, however, as many Americans also start their day with a cup of caffeinated coffee; caffeine has been shown to have antimicrobial properties.

What is not known, though, is if the caffeine has any sort of implications on the “good� bacteria that make up our microbiome. Interested to see if caffeine has inhibitory effects on our gut bacteria, our research team extracted caffeine through a modified laboratory procedure and are in the early steps of the investigatory process.

If the antimicrobial properties of caffeine do translate over into our bodies, what are the effects of consuming this caffeine-laden beverage on our gut health? By first testing the antibacterial properties of caffeine to known gut bacteria, our research may give reason towards further investigating the effects of altering the gut microbiome and potential nefarious health effects.

Title: Building and Securing a Professional Makeup Website Student: Justin Armfield Project mentor: Husam Ghazaleh, M.S.- Instructor of Computer

Science This spring and fall for my Capstone Computing Project course, I will be building a Professional Makeup Website for my sister, Shannon Armfield. My sister has been doing makeup for weddings and parties for many years now, and she wants to turn her hobby into a potential profession. She has many clients already through social media, but she does not have a website to take her to the next level of clientele. With this, I will be building her a website in order for her to expand her clientele, as well as, look more professional to her new and existing clients. Also, I will be linking the website to a database, so she can store her client’s personal information and store new photos that she wants on the website. The programming languages that will be using are HTML, PHP, CSS, JavaScript, and MySQL. All five of these languages are necessary in building, designing, and securing the website and database. By the end of the next fall semester, I hope to have the website up and running on a web server and have the link from the website to database be completely secure. Along with these two functionalities, I hope to have my first satisfied client.

Title: Code Rewrite of Bible Quizzing Bubble Blast Student: Michelle Ehrenreich, Emily Entrup, Jacob Abell,

Madeline Dietrich Project mentor: Husam Ghazaleh, M.S.- Instructor of

Computer Science The goal of our group is to use our collective abilities to convert a game from Adobe Flash Actionscript to JavaScript. Bible Quiz Bubble Blast was developed using Adobe Animate and is employed by several UPCI churches to teach kids/young adults in their congregation verses from the Bible. Unfortunately, Adobe Flash will no longer be supported by browsers by 2020, and even now the game suffers from bugs (such as refusing to move on to the next level). Thus, we are going to work on developing the game in the more-supported languages of HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.

Title: Doggone Mouth Microorganisms Student: Shelby DeMint, Alex Keck, Kaylee Young,

Mackenzie Grieving Project mentor: Kimberly Hale, Ph.D.- Professor of Biological Sciences Sixty-eight percent of United States households own pets, with dogs being the most frequent choice. Of these owners, most welcome licks from their pets without worry. Urban legends perpetuate the claim that “a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s” despite the oral hygiene participation rate being significantly higher in humans than dogs. This experiment challenges that belief and compares the oral microbiota of dogs and humans. It was hypothesized that human mouths would contain less microorganisms than dog mouths. In three separate trials, buccal swabs were aseptically obtained from the mouths of both humans and dogs then cultured on nutrient agar plates in an incubator set to 37.5 ºC for twenty-four hours. The dog plates yielded at least 30% lawn coverage on all plates, significantly more growth as compared to the human plates which yielded a maximum of two colonies. The results therefore disproved the legend that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. Further investigation is required to determine if this elevated microbe count includes pathogens harmful to humans. Yet, as a precautionary measure, humans should be wary of allowing their pets to lick them.

Title: Developing an Improved Conditioning Protocol to Study Learning and Memory in Aplysia californica Student: Seth Witte, Benjamin Mero, Rita Kanaeva Project mentor: Kimberly Hale, Ph.D.- Professor of Biological Sciences Understanding the process of learning and memory is an interest of psychologists and neurobiologists. Aplysia californica are a model organism for studying various neurological processes, including learning and memory, in research laboratories throughout the world. The goal of our research group is to make this affordable model organism more accessible to students in undergraduate labs and perhaps even in high school. Previous researchers in our group had designed a conditioning protocol utilizing a standard 9v battery to elicit a shock as the unconditioned stimulus and the touch of a bristle brush as the conditioned stimulus. This model was affordable and could be done as a demonstration in a high school class or as an undergraduate lab activity. However, we have correlated this battery shock, over multiple trainings with a decrease in the quality of life of the animals. Thus, we wanted to discover an unconditioned stimulus that elicited the same withdrawal reflex as seen with the shock, but that did not have a lasting effect on the animal and its behavior. A novel procedure was developed utilizing a needle poke as the unconditioned stimulus and the touch of a bristle brush as the conditioned stimulus. This approach has been adequate in establishing a conditioned learning response. In addition, the animals are living longer and are seemingly healthy. Through perfecting this procedure, high school and college classrooms will be able to adopt this new technique in order to illustrate the conditioning process to students. Once this model is established, our research group would like to study the effects of various chemical compounds on learning, or the process of memory formation and retrieval in Aplysia californica.

Title: Circuits and Musical Stairs Student: Kristina Wolfe Project mentor: Byron Holdiman, M.A.- Education Specialist This project highlights a lesson conducted with third graders that consisted the use of technology, science and music. Technology will be demonstrated through the use of the Makey Makey hooked up to the computer. Science will be demonstrated through wires from the Makey Makey attached to cardboard pieces wrapped in foil. Music will be demonstrated through the cardboard pieces when being pressed together. The cardboard pieces will have a single pitch a piece. When this is all hooked up this project will create a piano, which then I will be demonstrating a song.

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